Gehrig (Gary) Riley, II, 62 years old of Pataskala, OH, passed away on November 29, 2025 after a 4 month battle with a glioblastoma brain tumor.

Gary was born on November 3rd, 1963 to Gehrig (Gary) Riley, Sr. and Mary Susan Thompson in Columbus, Georgia. He also went by the nickname "Buster". He graduated from Leilehua High School in 1982. After graduation, he joined the the United States Army then went on to join the Iron Workers Union and worked as an iron worker for several years then retired. Gary was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world. Gary was also a passionate about fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family. He could often be found at Buckeye Lake in his boat when he wasn’t at home. Anyone who knew Gary knew that he was the most loving father, son, brother, grandfather, and friend anyone could ask for.

 Gary was predeceased by his grandparents, great parents, and his grandson Nathan. Gary is survived by his father Gary Riley Sr., mother Mary Susan Thompson, his sisters Karen (Tim), Sharon (Chad), and brother Duncan (Scott) (Paula), daughters, Raquel, Michelle (Asa), Chanel (Brett), and Shalimar (Shali), 6 grandchildren, Travis, Jonel, Nicholas, Tyler, Kade, and Elijah, his significant other Dawn, his two dogs Piper and Gracie, and many nieces and nephews. The family requests that all flowers and notes are sent to Violet Baptist Church at 8345 Blacklick-Eastern Rd. NW, Pickerington, Ohio 43147. There will be a celebration of life service on January 24th, 2026 at 3pm at Violet Baptist Church, with dinner following the service.

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